Dallas Cowboys assistant coach Matt Eberflus turned down an offer to become the team's defensive coordinator in 2018, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. In that scenario, current defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli would've been promoted to an assistant head coach role. Eberflus, whose contract expired after the season, is expected to join the staff of current New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels assuming the latter accepts a head coaching role this offseason.

Free-agent defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz (Bills) could be on the Dallas Cowboys radar for the team's defensive coordinator position if they are not able to retain current defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.